Bachelor Pad: Making a Temporary Home
February 20, 2008 by Greg
Having done a fair amount of traveling for periods between a few days and a few months, I’ve picked up a few habits along the way on how to make a temporary space one that I enjoy.
Tip #1 - Unpack Immediately
After getting checked in, unpack all bags, filling the dresser and the closet. Take out any tolietries and place them in the bathroom. Any other items, put set up appropriate stations (more on this later.) Place the bags in the closet, and all is moved in. This process takes at most 30 minutes and makes the rest of the stay much more comfortable.
Tip #2 - Perpetually Tidy Up
A small space with multiple people creates clutter really easily. Keeping things tidy is even easier. After all, traveling usually means less stuff to take care of, and it usually comes with a regular maid service to help out. Regularly picking up dirty clothes, putting dirty glasses on a tray, and throwing out trash lying around keeps the space looking tight.
Tip #3 - Set Up Stations
This classic advice for setting up a permanent home applies doubly to a temporary home. Set up a station for anything related to an activity. For example, I almost always bring my laptop while traveling. Usually there’s a few people that want to check their email daily, look up area information, or check to see just how much they have left on their credit card before the party is over. Giving the laptop a permanent home on a side table, console, or night stand gives everyone easy access and keeps clutter out.
Tip #4 - Bring the Necessities
Over a few trips we’ve conducted a few postmortem discussions, debating what we should’ve brought and what we want for the future. This often has involved careful debate over our portable bar selection. Now, having this pretty much down to a science, the well stocked bar is something that always comes along. The other important thing we usually bring is a stereo. A small set of amplified speakers and an MP3 works wonders for creating some tunes while relaxing over a beverage.
Anyone else got any tips for making temporary spaces more comfortable?
I totally agree, even if it is for a couple days I like to station out the room and unpack everything. I do this when I come back as well. I also feel that cleaning my apartment PRIOR to traveling is necessary as coming home to a mess sucks.
http://www.dilettantescurse.blogspot.com
I haven’t done this yet, but I’ve contemplated bringing along some of the incense I occasionally burn at home. If you’re by yourself, a picture/photo in a small frame may not be a bad idea either. Engage all the senses!
You both have great points.
Brian; I can’t tell you how depressing it’s been coming home to an un-made bed, cluttered tabletop, etc; especially when returning from business travel.
Jess; The incense would be ideal not only for thinking of home, but ridding the room of any obnoxious odors lingering from prior guests, people in the hall, etc. This can be a factor when travelling to Las Vegas on the cheap. Four words: Palace Station “Garden” rooms.
Damn I love our readers, thanks guys.
Greg- the unpack first thing is wise as well. Far too tempting to head right out and explore the bars, only to end up too tipsy to unzip your suitcase and find your toothbrush at the end of the night. Not that I’m referring to Albuquerque.
Okay, I’m referring to Albuquerque.
When I was in Argentina, one of my travel companions brought one of those citrus sprays for the bathroom. It was awesome. I think some kind of travel room / linen spray would be great for making the room.
Very good tips. I usually do everything you suggested. Although on shorter trips (ie, 3 nights) I don’t bother to put clothes in the drawers opting for the suitcase instead. I definitely get all the toiletries out and setup the laptop station.